Consultation Meeting for the Development ST4SD Project Document
Ha Nguyen28 June 2023 • The Project “Sustainable Tourism Development” (ST4SD) is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by a consortium of Center for Rural Economy Development (CRED), Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, EHL Hospitality Business School (formerly known as École hôtelière de Lausanne) and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) from Apr. 2023 to 2027 to support Vietnam’s tourism sector becomes more sustainable and inclusive.
On June 26, in Ha Long, the project cooperated with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) to organize a consultation meeting for the development of the ST4SD Project Document. The meeting was chaired by VNAT, with the participation of representatives of SECO, more than 50 experts and researchers from state management agencies under the VNAT, the Tourism Development Fund, Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism from provinces of Quang Nam, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Ha Giang, Thua Thien – Hue; from research and universities such as: Institute of Tourism Development Research, Faculty of Tourism from Universities of Business Administration, Social Sciences and Humanities, Culture…; Representative of Vietnam Tourism Association and Tourism Association from provinces/cities.
Mr. Do Quang Huy – representative of SECO, Embassy of Switzerland in Vietnam: “For Vietnam, up to this time, sustainable tourism development is no longer a choice but a necessity. We hope to develop a Vietnam tourism industry in which each tourist and each partner in the industry is inspired and motivated to conserve nature and protect the environment. And the footprints we leave will not be carbon footprints, but lessons and solutions on the conservation of nature and indigenous cultural and social factors.”
“We find that the in-depth coordination between the parties and stakeholders is essential. We hope that experts will advise on local tourism to promote its potential in natural and human resources, meet the development needs of the localities, bring benefits to the people, and work towards sustainable development“, said Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy General Director of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism at the meeting
According to experts, Switzerland is the country that occupies the 1st position in the global tourism competitiveness table in consecutive years. The implementation of the ST4SD project will help transfer Swiss experiences to help Vietnam realize the goal of sustainable tourism development.
Based on the comments and opinions in the meeting, the ST4SD project continue with VNAT to finalize the Project Document, which is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for approval in July 2023.
